The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have agreed on a roadmap aimed at advancing peace talks and ending the conflict in the country's east.
The agreement outlines steps for both sides to move towards negotiations and address key issues underlying the conflict. The initiative is intended to reduce violence and create conditions for a more lasting peace.
The eastern DRC has experienced years of armed conflict, with M23 fighters seizing territory and forcing large numbers of civilians to flee their homes. The fighting has also heightened tensions between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda, which the Congolese government and UN experts have accused of supporting M23. Rwanda denies supporting the rebels.
The roadmap is being seen as an important step towards a political solution, although significant challenges remain. Previous ceasefires and peace initiatives have repeatedly broken down, and the situation on the ground remains fragile.
Both sides now face pressure to honour their commitments and ensure that the peace process leads to a lasting end to the fighting and improves security for civilians in eastern DRC.